Cricket

In a dominant display, Thunder thrashed South East Stars by a massive 120 runs in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy at Beckenham. England's Kate Cross played a pivotal role, claiming a List A best of 6 for 40, while Seren Smale and Fi Morris led Thunder's batting charge.Thunder opted to bat first on a sluggish Beckenham pitch and posted a formidable 250 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. Smale anchored the innings with a top score of 76, while Morris contributed a valuable 54. Ryana MacDonald-Gay emerged as the Stars' most effective bowler, bagging three wickets for 42 runs, including a run out. Kalea Moore also chipped in with two wickets.However, it was Cross who wreaked havoc on the Stars' batting lineup. She dismissed key batters Bryony Smith and Alice Davidson-Richards in consecutive deliveries, leaving the Stars reeling at 12 for 2. Despite a valiant 54 from Kira Chathli, the Stars never truly threatened to chase down the target.Cross continued her demolition, claiming the wickets of Chloe Hill, Aylish Cranstone, and Phoebe Franklin. MacDonald-Gay and Paige Scholfield also fell prey to her devastating bowling, as the Stars were eventually dismissed for a paltry 130 in just 36.4 overs.Thunder's victory was a testament to their all-round performance. Smale and Morris provided a solid foundation with their substantial contributions, while Cross's exceptional bowling display proved decisive. The Stars, on the other hand, struggled to cope with Thunder's relentless pressure and were unable to mount a meaningful challenge.

Central Sparks secured their Charlotte Edwards Cup qualification with a thrilling last-ball eight-wicket victory over Thunder at Edgbaston.Thunder, put in to bat, posted a competitive 146 for six, thanks to a superb maiden T20 half-century from 19-year-old Seren Smale. Smale, who came to the crease with Thunder in trouble at three for two, rescued her team with a polished innings of 88 not out from 61 balls, including nine fours. Grace Potts led the Sparks bowling attack with two for 18.Sparks' chase started slowly, but an unbroken third-wicket partnership of 128 between Abi Freeborn (71 not out from 57 balls) and Amy Jones (67 not out from 45 balls) powered them to victory. Jones struck the last two balls of the 20th over for four to seal the win and end Thunder's hopes of qualification.With Eve Jones ruled out by concussion, Georgia Davis captained Sparks and won the toss, opting to field. Both opening bowlers struck in their first over, with Fi Morris falling to Potts and Katie Mack to Charis Pavely, leaving Thunder reeling at three for two after two overs.Smale's dropped catch between wicketkeeper and slip proved costly for Sparks, as she and Emma Lamb (25 from 28 balls) added 61 in 51 balls. After Lamb's dismissal, Threlkeld joined Smale in a 58-run stand in 41 balls, with Smale reaching her half-century in 41 balls.Thunder started strongly with the ball, with Kate Cross dismissing Ami Campbell in the first over and Tara Norris conceding just a single in the second. However, Ecclestone's first ball was spun past Perrin, who was stumped by Threlkeld.Freeborn and Jones rebuilt methodically, keeping Sparks in the race. Freeborn reached 50 in 35 balls and Jones in 37, leaving 26 needed from the last three overs. Phoebe Graham's final over came down to ten off the last over, and five from the last two balls. Jones hoisted the first of those over mid-off for four and the second to the cover boundary to send Sparks through to Finals Day.

Southern Vipers emerged victorious in a thrilling three-wicket triumph over Thunder, extending their winning streak to three matches in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. Nancy Harman played a pivotal role in the victory, guiding her team to the finish line in a tense chase.Thunder, batting first, struggled in the opening Powerplay, losing Shachi Pai early on. However, Seren Smale and Katie Mack steadied the innings with a 94-run partnership. Smale, in particular, showcased her class, reaching her third career fifty and narrowly missing out on a century after being run out on 99.Vipers' bowlers, led by Linsey Smith's economical spell, kept Thunder in check throughout the innings. Smith claimed three wickets for just 19 runs, while Alice Monaghan and Mary Taylor also chipped in with crucial wickets.In response, Vipers' chase got off to a shaky start as Ella McCaughan and Charli Knott departed cheaply. Georgia Adams and Georgia Elwiss then steadied the ship with a solid partnership, but Elwiss's dismissal and Emily Windsor's quick departure put Vipers under pressure.Adams, who reached her 15th half-century, played a crucial knock, but her dismissal left Vipers needing 72 runs with just 39 balls remaining. Harman, Southby, and Monaghan stepped up to the plate, guiding Vipers to victory with three wickets in hand.Harman, in her first appearance of the season, played a match-winning innings, scoring an unbeaten 24 and ensuring Vipers' unbeaten record against Thunder remains intact.